converting to tricycle
 

Hi - I would like to convert an ultra stick 120 to a tricycle style, from tail dragger.

Is this as simple as add weight to the front and a front wheel? what else is involved?

RE: converting to tricycle
 

I believe one of the things you'd want to do would be to move the main gear back a bit.
That would entail building a suitable structure to support them.
My Alpha 40 trainer has tricycle gear, and the main gear is just behind the C/G point...couple of inches anyway.
If the main and nose gear are too close, the steering would be quite squirrelly (sp?)!
Then, would you want steerable nose gear?
I'm sure others will chime in with more thoughts.

RE: converting to tricycle
 

Buy a Fults Tooling dual strut nose gear. Tower sells them. They work Great.

RE: converting to tricycle
 

No.

Adding weight to the front will make it nose heavy. You need to find the CG and then mount the main gear so that the wheels are 1/2" - 1" behind the CG - this will require adding a plywood mount and bracing inside the fuse to mount the gear to.

Then add a nosewheel. many engine mounts have a hole pre-drilled in them for mounting a nose gear.

RE: converting to tricycle
 

Why would you want to do that? [X(]

RE: converting to tricycle
 

I hate tail draggers.....Oh my god...here we go!!!! why did I have to say it, now everyone's gonna start saying why tail draggers are better and this and that......Please read the comment again before you reply to it....I said I hate tail draggers, I didn't say they are worse or anything like that

RE: converting to tricycle
 

:D :D :D :D :D it's just what I like - I like trikes better

RE: converting to tricycle
 

Geez, just think of all the WWII warbirds you'll never get to fly............
Geez, just think of all of the Biplanes you'll never get to fly...........

It just makes me sad!!

RE: converting to tricycle
 

Alexedit, the balance point of your model will be the same when the extra wheel is fitted as it is now. So mark where it is. Add the support structure you need to move the mainwheels back so that the axle centre is just behind this point. The closer to the balance you get them, the easier it will be to rotate at takeoff. Too close and the model will still want to sit on its tail, 1/2" behind is enough. Fix the new nosewheel and associated bits and check the stance (slightly nose down) and balance point, move the battery around until the model balances as before. Now you can go fly again. The model will be heavier and have more drag, so it will be slower and less maneuverable, but, you can now taxi around really easily.
Evan, WB #12.

RE: converting to tricycle
 

I agree!:D

RE: converting to tricycle
 

Hey... whatever turns your crank. I personally prefer draggers to trikes but that is my personal preferance. If we all liked exactly the same thing, it would get quite boring out there. If you like and prefer trikes, then by all means, research the conversion, set it up and just go fly and have fun!!:D

Good luck
Curt

RE: converting to tricycle
 

I would say sell the ultra stick and buy a stick from great planes. They come as a nose gear design I believe.